UK Operators Surpass £100M Commitment to Gambling Harm Prevention
By June 2024, Bet365, Entain, Evoke, and Flutter Entertainment had exceeded their goal, contributing £122.5m.
In June 2020, the Betting and Gaming Council's (BGC) top five members pledged £100m to research, education, and treatment of gambling-related harms. By June 2024, Bet365, Entain, Evoke, and Flutter Entertainment had exceeded this goal, contributing £122.5m. Additionally, these companies pledged further funds to support the £10m Young People's Gambling Harm Prevention Programme, benefiting over two million youth aged 11 to 19.
Other BGC members and British licensees contributed an extra £10m annually, bringing the industry's total funding for gambling harm prevention and treatment to £172.5m. BGC executive director Wes Himes emphasized that these donations are managed independently, ensuring they reach accredited bodies focused on prevention and treatment.
Despite these voluntary contributions, the BGC continues to advocate for a statutory levy to fund gambling harm prevention. Last year's government white paper proposed a mandatory levy of 0.4% on gross gambling yield. While the BGC supports a statutory levy, it has expressed concerns about the financial impact on independent bookmakers and hopes the new government will reconsider the plan.
